It is a policy requirement that flood risk should be minimised and mitigated, and that any development should not increase flood risk elsewhere: National Planning Policy Framework (paragraph 181), London Plan (Policy SI 12), Kingston Core Strategy (Policy DM4).

The site is located on a known flood plain, and Beverly Brook experienced severe flooding from Cuddington to West Barnes in 2007 and again in 2021. Berkeley claim that their bank reprofiling, drainage and attenuation tank work will reduce the flood risk by 50% on the Kingston side of the brook.

Little mention has been made of the impact of the new access road to the south. Will this act as a barrier for surface water that drains towards the Beverley Brook? Will it decrease infiltration and increase run-off?

However, there is a clear opportunity to minimise flood risk for the wider neighbourhood from a site that is part of the problem. The site contains two culverts, both of which acted as pinch points during the 2007 and 2021 floods. It will be important to see if Berkeley’s plans account for the future management of these culverts, in particular alongside management of the Brook. Who will be responsible for cycle hire bikes thrown in the river that block culverts?

If you are concerned about flood risk, which is only going to get worse, you should raise the issue of the culverts and possible improvements to the east (right) bank of the Brook as potential planning conditions.